Dodge Charger

The Car Connection Dodge Charger Overview

The Dodge Charger is a four-door sedan, sold with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive, and with V-6 or V-8 engines. It's a mechanical cousin of the Chrysler 300 sedan and the Dodge Challenger two-door coupe, and for a time it also had a wagon companion, the Dodge Magnum.

With the SRT Hellcat model, the Charger has staked its claim as the fastest four-door in the world. Powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 making an astronomical 707 horsepower, the Hellcat is capable of topping 200 mph. Thanks to its superior aerodynamics, the Charger SRT Hellcat is faster even than its Challenger Hellcat sibling, even though the Challenger is a somewhat lighter car.

Dodge also continues to offer the 485-hp, 6.4-liter normally aspirated SRT engine in the Charger SRT 392 and R/T Scat Pack models, the 370-hp 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 in other R/T models, and a 3.6-liter V-6 with as much as 300 horsepower in SE and SXT models. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and V-6 models can be ordered with all-wheel drive.

Today's Dodge Charger

After a major refresh for 2015, the 2017 Charger adopts a new version of its Uconnect infotainment system, one that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Changes were a little bigger last year, when the Super Track Pack became available for V-6 models, a new Plum Crazy "heritage" color was added, a revived Blacktop Appearance package returned, additional equipment was added on the SRT 392 model, and some new tech features like Siri Eyes Free arrived.

The Charger SRT Hellcat was 2015's big news and it continues to draw admiration today. With a supercharged V-8 under the hood, the Hellcat accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, officially, on its way to a top speed of 204 mph.

The Charger SRT Hellcat has a Drive Modes feature, with Sport, Track, Default, and Eco settings that alter transmission shift points, paddle-shifter behavior, traction controls, and suspension. It also comes with a red and black keyfobs, with the black one offering reduced engine output to a mere 500 horses. There's also a Valet Mode, as there should be for a sedan priced over $60,000.

The Charger SRT 392 and R/T Scat Pack are no slouches, either, with a 0 to 60 mph time in the mid four-second range. The SRT 392 also benefits from some of the upgrades made for the Hellcat version, while the Scat Pack gets big brakes and a starting price around $40,000.

The 2015 model year also brought revised styling inside and out to all Chargers, SRT or otherwise. Dodge managed to make a pretty significant change to the Charger's look without touching the middle of the car. The doors and body shell carried over, while the front and rear saw big modifications. The exterior is a combination of classic and modern influences, with elements from the Dodge Dart's styling. The interior features quality materials, and a fresh, modern look.

Dodge Charger history

The Charger name is steeped in history, though it was attached to performance two-door models for much of its past. The original Dodge Charger was built in 1965 as an option package for the Dart GT, then from 1966 to 1978 as a rear-wheel-drive, two-door muscle car. It was built in four generations over that 12-year run, though the second-generation car, built from 1968 to 1970 is the most recognizable. This version was, and still is for many, the iconic Charger. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Charger was available with the same engines as the Challenger, including the 426 cubic-inch Hemi, the 440 Magnum, and the 440 Six-Pack V-8s.

From 1983 to 1987, the Charger was re-envisioned as a compact hatchback, a popular seller spun off from Mitsubishi mechanicals. Whether or not it was a true Charger is still up for debate. From the end of that model's run, the Charger name was put on ice until it returned in 2006.

Based on the same platform as the Dodge Challenger muscle car, the 2006 Charger sedan made legitimate claims to the Charger heritage, with design cues that reinforce those ties. In base SE form it featured a not-so-muscular 2.7-liter V-6 engine paired to a four-speed automatic, but still delivered the size and comfort of a large sedan. The SXT trim level substituted a 3.5-liter V-6 and added satellite radio, traction and stability control, a power driver's seat, and other options. The R/T package added a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 engine rated at 368 horsepower, a special AutoStick automatic transmission, a performance exhaust, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, power/heated front seats, and power heated folding side mirrors. The range-topping SRT8 featured a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 with output of 425 horsepower. It was capable of hauling the big sedan to 60 mph in the low-five-second range.

For 2011, Dodge gave the Charger a redesign, with a more outrageous take on the exterior styling, combined with a more modern and contemporary dash that felt far better detailed that the old interior. Chrysler's Pentastar V-6 was introduced as the base engine, making 292 hp, while Hemi-powered models were bumped up to 370 hp and the top SRT8 was boosted to 6.4 liters and 470 hp. The Charger also became more tech-proficient, with a new Garmin navigation system, an in-car Wi-Fi system (using USB dongles), and some new safety-related systems like active cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

More powertrain changes came for 2012, with V-6 models switching to a much more tractable eight-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox not only aided refinement but boosted fuel economy compared to the five-speed unit it replaced, managing up to 31 mpg on the highway. For 2013, Dodge added Rallye and Blacktop appearance packages that also included a 300-hp version of the V-6. The extra power came by way of a performance exhaust and cold-air intake. The same year, a Beats by Dre sound system was made available as an option, as was a black-painted roof, and the Garmin-based navigation system received an enhanced feature set.

For 2013, a new Charger AWD Sport edition became available on both the V-6 and V-8 (non-SRT) versions, with added power for the six-cylinder car and 19-inch wheels and tires. Dodge also launched the 2013 Charger Daytona edition with new graphics, a more aggressive exterior look, and small tweaks to gearing and suspension for sharper performance.

For 2014, a new Redline Package emerged with a tuned version of the 3.6-liter V-6. It was packaged with a few styling tweaks and an upgraded audio system.

Infuriating Garbage

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Reliability

Where to start? So I bought this car based on expert reviews. Do not trust them. This car is the prime example of what is wrong with the American auto industry. Great ideas that are poorly executed. The...
Where to start? So I bought this car based on expert reviews. Do not trust them. This car is the prime example of what is wrong with the American auto industry. Great ideas that are poorly executed. The styling is kinda boring. The interior is a plastic sea of bland styling and afterthought peices. Poor quality plastic at that. It's as if they couldn't think of anything to fill in the blandness so they just tried to rely on the gizmos to impress you.

Speaking of gizmos, let's start with the instrument cluster. It is a great looking instrument cluster. Very impressive actually. Reminds me of offerings from the German brands. It is also easy to navigate. There is hardly any reason for your hands to leave the steering wheel. It is clear they want your attention on driving. It probably also helps to keep your eyes out of the cockpit so you don't notice how bad the interior really is. The seats are very comfortable and have many adjustments. You cannot change the color of the interior lighting like you can on the Ford system.

The infotainment system is okay. Much better than the Ford Sync system. It is responsive and easy to navigate. I have also had to reset it nearly every time I drive it. The Uconnect system is honestly not worth the hassle. Trying to get my Samsung S5 and this system to cooperate is a pain. The app is straight up garbage. Wifi in the car is a joke. They also charge $40 per month for this "feature". It just stops working after using it for any amount of time. The voice commands especially for the navigation is abysmal. It was bad in the Ford but so much worse in the Dodge. Don't even bother to use the voice feature with the navigation. The navigation itself is okay. Seems to work as advertised. It is a superior system to Fords in this regard. The voice system is half baked at best. Seriously the worst system in the cars I have owned. Even Hyundai has a better system. It's a complete waste.

Now, let's chat about the nuts and bolts. Power is supremely lacking for a supposed 300 hp V6. I live in Colorado and have 650 miles on the car and can tell you it is absolutely terrible on the power. My buddies 2008 Toyota Camry has better power. As a matter of fact the Audi A4 has a better feel to the power with an 80 hp deficit. I should have bought the Audi. Lessons learned.

The AWD is infuriating. You wouldn't think it would be as most cars with AWD just kinda leave it on. This car is rediculous. The AWD stays off and leaves the car in RWD normally. If the temperature is 40° or lower the AWD comes on. If you run the wipers for an amount of time the AWD activates (that's true). If you activate sports mode the AWD activates so now you can burn more gas with no real benefits at all. You don't get more power. You don't get better handling it just revs longer before shifting. Seriously, that's it. If you turn off the traction control the AWD activates. If you use the paddle shifters the AWD activates. In manual mode the AWD activates. It is so stupid to leave the driver no control over the system. For instance, if I want to downshift going down a hill the car will throw on the AWD and then I can burn more gas for no reason. Or if it's cold and dry out I am killing my MPG with the AWD for literally no reason at all because it is 39° outside. This car allows no fun at all because of the half baked idea with the traction control and "sport" mode. What is wrong with the ding dongs at Dodge? This system makes no sense. Don't even try to drive it agressively, it will kill your fun quick.

It handles like a grandpa boat. That's all I can say about that.

Oh and when I tried to take this terrible car back I had discovered it depriciated $10,000.00!!!! All within 250 miles of driving it. I expected $5000 or even $8000 and frankly would have paid it just to be rid of this awful car. But $10,000? Seriously!?!

Best I can do is warn others to stay away. Please learn from my stupidity. Do not even consider this car. It is the worst possible decision to purchase this car and I regret it immensely. + More »

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September 16, 2016

2015 Dodge Charger 4-Door Sedan Road/Track RWD

Most bang for the buck...and we saved at least 30k for a comprable foreign make...absolutly no problems for 1.5 years

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Reliability

We looked at Acura's, Mercedes, Infinity, Caddy V, Mustang, etc. at a trade show...this car blows all of them away...more bells and whistles than a lot of them + a Hemi ....great reliability..no probs. in 1.5...
We looked at Acura's, Mercedes, Infinity, Caddy V, Mustang, etc. at a trade show...this car blows all of them away...more bells and whistles than a lot of them + a Hemi ....great reliability..no probs. in 1.5 years...a real head turner (in black/black out) and we saved at least 30k over a comparable foreign car. Don't believe all the unreliability that is spewed about American cars. + More »